Paint brush with collection reservoir

ABSTRACT

A paint brush handle assembly with a collection reservoir or drip cup formed as part of the handle contour with a plurality of brush bristles fixed within the handle. The collection reservoir located at the base of the brush bristles captures and collects the dripping paint, or other finishing liquids, and prevents the liquids from dripping onto the handle. The walls of the collection reservoir extend outward from the handle and surround the base of the brush bristles on all sides. The sides of the reservoir are rigid and formed as one part with the handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to handles; specifically ergonomically improved paint brush handles utilizing the same.

Paint brushes are commonly manufactured with long straight handles made from wood or molded plastic with a metal sheath assembly containing the brush bristles fastened to the wide end of the handle. Tile majority of common paint brush handles do not address the ergonomic needs of the user, most importantly the need to reduce pressure points and hand fatigue during prolonged use.

The paintbrush is manipulated by the user in several hand positions. The most common hand position is when the user places his or her fingers over the metal sheath at the base of the exposed bristles wrapping their thumb around the opposite side of the brush handle and resting it against the opposite side of tile sheath. When gripping the handle in this manner, the straight elongated handle creates a pressure point in the crotch of the hand between the thumb and forefinger. Pressure is increased at the base of the forefinger knuckle and at the crotch of tie hand during the painting procedure. This pressure from the straight handle shape can result in fatigue and soreness of local hand ligaments and muscles. Furthermore if the straight handled brush is narrow with a small circumference, the pressure point in the crotch of the hand at the base of the first knuckle is accentuated during the painting procedure. The hand fatigue caused by the pressure point and prolonged use of the brush inhibits fine motor control of the hand and therefore controlled manipulation or the brush. What is needed is a handle that rests over the forefinger knuckle rather thank the underside of the forefinger knuckle to help reduce stress to the muscle at the crotch of the hand.

The flat side surfaces of a common paint brush handle can also cause strain to various hand muscles and ligaments. The natural position of a common hand in a relaxed state creates an arc across the finger tips; more specifically each finger tip is on a different plane. When the finger tips rest on a flat surface and the fingers are forced to work on a flat plane, this finger position can cause undue strain on muscles and ligaments during the painting procedure. What is needed is a rounded surface that provides a natural resting place for the finger tips when the hand is in a grip position.

Another important element to reducing hand fatigue is to give the user the option to change hand positions during prolonged use. Limiting the user to one hand position through the design of a set of complex surfaces on the handle will cause strain to the same hand muscles and ligaments during prolonged use. The user should have the option to utilize various hand positions while painting so they can grip the handle in different positions to relieve tired muscles and ligaments.

A number of brush handles have attempted to solve the problem of hand fatigue. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,15 issued to Herron discloses a brush handle with a series of fitted control surfaces for the fingers that allow the user to grip the brush handle in a precise manner. However the overall form of the handle of this claim does not make it easy to comfortably hold the brush handle in multiple hand positions which is an important factor in reducing hand fatigue as mentioned above.

Another handle design, U.S. Pat. No. D0167775 illustrates a curved handle design to facilitate grip options during the painting procedure. The handle contours appear clumsy with hard edges and flat sides that can cause muscle strain as mentioned above.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,213 claims an ergonomic handle for painting with an offset handle that provides relief in the crotch of the hand between the thumb and forefinger. Although this offset feature may provide some relief at the point of contact with the hand, the small circumference of the handle can-create pressure points that can exacerbate muscle and ligament fatigue during the painting procedure. What is needed is a brush handle that is wider around the forefinger knuckle and the crotch of the hand in order to spread out the forces acting on the hand during the painting procedure.

Another problem with conventional paint brushes is the dripping of paint from the bristles onto the handle. Conventional paint brushes have a wooden or plastic molded handle with brush bristles-fastened to the wider end of the handle. The outer bristles and handle are on the same relevant plane.

With conventional paint brushes, as described above, paint or other finishing liquids will drip down the handle when using the brush in an inverted position. Prolonged use of the brush results in the excessive collection of liquids at the base of the bristles and ultimately on the handle of the brush thereby soiling the user's hands and fingers.

Prior attempts to overcome this problem have included a paint brush handle with drip cup or receptacle as claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,892,205 issued to Wagner. Among the claims is one requiring the user to physically turn the flexible sidewalls of tile drip cup inside out thereby exposing the collected liquid to the user's hands and fingers. This solution defeats the purpose of protecting the user's hands and fingers from the paint and other liquids.

Another attempt to overcome this problem is outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,151 issued to Herron. The abstract includes a protective mechanism to prevent paint from dripping onto the brush handle. The drip lip claimed in Herron & Cox appears to be small in scale and, with the use of interchangeable brush heads, difficult to clean.

Other prior attempts to overcome this problem have included a drip guard fastened to a separate-paint brush handle such as that claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,006. This attachment is a flat loop of elastic material that turns upward to form a trough to collect excess paint when the brush is inverted. This part is separate from the paint brush handle and is not an integral part of the handle.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,733,471 discloses a band of rubber or other elastic material mounted around the stock of a paint brush handle. The band is not an integral part of the handle.

Other attempts have included the application of a secondary assembly containing an absorbent material that is attached to existing paint brush handles. This absorbent material is removed from the brush handle and thereby exposes the user's hands and fingers to the paint or finishing liquid.

What is needed however is a fixed collection reservoir integrated within the handle at the base of the bristles that will capture the dripping liquids when the brush assembly is inverted upright and allow the liquids to exit the reservoir when the brush assembly is positioned downward. This reservoir is not a separate piece but is an integral part of the injection molded plastic handle.

The brush bristles or foam pads used to spread the wet paint are commonly fastened to the handle via glue and metal assembly that is riveted to the handle. This method of application does not allow the user the option of replacing just the brush assembly or removing the brush assembly for more thorough cleaning.

It is therefore desirable to provide an ergonomically designed handle, specifically for paint brushes, to reduce the pressure points and hand fatigue associated with the use of common paint brush handles, reduce the dripping of paint onto the handle and provide the option to remove and replace the brush bristles from the handle. It is also desirable to provide a brush handle that can be grasped comfortably by the user in multiple ways for fine detail work as well as general purpose painting. The use of multiple hand positions can help reduce hand fatigue during the painting procedure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the paint brush handle and integrated reservoir with brush bristle assembly attached to the handle in accordance with the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the handle and integrated reservoir with brush bristle assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention where the bristle assembly is captured within a two-part handle.

FIG. 3 is a section view of the handle and integrated reservoir with brush bristle assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the paint brush handle and integrated reservoir with brush bristle assembly removed in accordance with the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the paint brush handle with hook curved section of the handle positioned in the crotch of the hand between the thumb and forefinger in accordance with the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the paint brush handle with the fingers of a hand in a natural state, gripping the brush as a user would in a common painting procedure in accordance with the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a brush head adapted to be removably received on the brush handle of the improved paint brush in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a paint brush handle that will reduce hand fatigue and pressure points by use of an ergonomically designed handle as well as helps minimize the dripping of paint onto the handle. It is an object of the invention to provide a rubber surface on the handle for a more comfortable and secure grip.

It is an object of the invention to provide appropriate ergonomic contours that allow the user to grip the brush in multiple hand positions in order to help reduce hand fatigue during normal use.

It is an object of the invention to provide a rounded contour to the upper end of the handle that allows the user to grip the brush handle comfortably with their fingers in a natural grip position.

It is an object of the invention to provide soft ergonomic contours on relevant surfaces of the handle to minimize pressure points during normal use, specifically in the area of the handle that is in contact with the forefinger knuckle and the crotch of the hand between the thumb and forefinger.

It is an object of the invention to provide a handle that can be used comfortably by the user in either hand.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved design that will minimize paint from dripping onto the handle during normal use.

It is an object of the invention to provide removal of the bristles for thorough cleaning.

In accordance with the present invention, an improved handle is provided specifically a paint brush handle that helps reduce fatigue and minimizes the dripping of paint onto the handle.

In the embodiment of the invention, an elliptical contour around the base of the bristles provide for a contour to help solve the ergonomic requirements of the brush handle. The finger tips of a relaxed hand rest comfortably on the elliptical surface at the base of the brush bristles. Undo stress on muscles and ligaments is reduced when the hand is gripping the handle in a relaxed state. The elliptical surface at the base of the brush bristles is a rubberized surface to provide the user with a softer, more comfortable and secure grip during use.

In the embodiment of the invention, the curved shaped handle rests within the crotch of the hand between the thumb and forefinger and reduces direct pressure to the muscle at the crotch of the hand. The elliptical form is longitudinally parallel to the brush plane. The elliptical form is wider at the brush end of the handle and becomes smaller as it tapers toward the middle of the handle. The radius of the elliptical form fits naturally with the hand and softens pressure points during the painting procedure.

In the embodiment of the invention the hook curve of the handle rests in the crotch of the hand between the thumb and forefinger when gripping the handle during a common painting procedure. When held in this way, the hook curve of the handle wraps around the thumb knuckle and over the side surface of the forefinger knuckle parallel to the inner surface of the forefinger. By resting the handle over the forefinger knuckle, rather than the underside of the forefinger knuckle, helps reduce stress to the muscle at the crotch of the hand between the thumb and forefinger.

In the embodiment of the invention, a handle with a fixed integrated collection reservoir located below the base of the brush bristles captures and collects the dripping paint, or other finishing liquids, and prevents the liquids from dripping onto the handle. The walls of the reservoir extend upward parallel with the outside contour of the handle and surround the base of the brush bristles on all sides. The sides of the reservoir are rigid and formed as one part with the handle. The primary objective of the collection reservoir is to capture the dripping paint or other liquids, such as wood sealing stains and the like, and prevent the liquids from dripping down the brush handle onto the user's fingers and hands.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the brush bristles are manufactured as a separate assembly and listened to the handle and reservoir with screw attachments, glue, snap fit or friction fit. This allows for more thorough cleaning of the brush head and replacement of brush head as needed.

The above embodiments and other objects of the present invention will become more readily understood from review and consideration of the following detailed descriptions together with the accompanying drawings.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like drawings are numbered identically. The drawings depict the selected embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It will be understood that embodiments shown in the drawings and described below are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handle 100 having an integrated reservoir 110 and a brush bristle assembly 200 fastened to the handle in accordance with the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the handle having an integrated reservoir with brush bristle assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. In the alternative embodiment shown, the handle 100 with integrated reservoir 110 may be formed of injection molded plastic and is a two-part design with a right half 130 and left half 140. The bristle assembly 200 is captured between the right 130 and left 140 halves of the handle assembly 100 and is centered within the open reservoir formed by the joining of the two halves of the handle.

The brush bristle assembly 200 consists of a separate cup 210 where the collection of brush bristles 220 are glued within the cup 210 and the cup 210 is captured between the right half 130 and left half 140 of the handle assembly. The cup 210 of the brush bristle assembly can be formed of injection molded plastic and can have a flange 211 or relevant detail that prevents the bristle assembly 200 from rotating or being easily removed from the assembled handle 100.

The right 130 and left 140 halves of the handle can be screwed 150 together to capture the brush bristle assembly and form an open reservoir 110 around the base of the brush bristle assembly. This reservoir will capture and collect liquids when the brush is inverted during overhead use. As the paint or liquids saturate the bristles with prolonged periods of use, gravity will pull the liquids to the reservoir and prevent the paint or liquids from dripping down the outside surfaces of the handle assembly. Consequently when the brush is rotated downward, where the brush bristles are placed within the paint can, the collected paint or liquids will drain from the reservoir. FIG. 1 shows the fully assembled brush in the embodiment of the invention.

Additionally, by virtue of this construction, the right 130 and left 140 halves of the handle can be separated to replace the brush bristle assembly 200 and the inside of the integrated reservoir 110 can be cleaned of the collected liquids.

FIG. 3 is a section view of the handle with integrated reservoir and brush bristle assembly in accordance with the embodiment of tile invention. The sidewalls 111 of the reservoir 110 start below the base of the brush bristles and extend upward on all sides to form a drip cup or reservoir to collect the paint or other liquids. The sidewalls 111 are fixed and are formed as one with the handle. The purpose of the reservoir 110 detail becomes evident when using the paint brush overhead.

During such use, when the brush bristles 200 become saturated, gravity will pull the paint or liquid drippings into the collection reservoir. The collection reservoir 110 prevents the liquid from dripping down the outside of the handle.

The cup 210 of the brush bristle assembly 200 has a flange 211 formed at it's base that is captured within a corresponding detail within the right 130 and left halves of the handle assembly. This snap fit flange 211 provides rigidity of the brush assembly 200 and prevents the brush assembly from rotating relative to the handle. Additionally the flange prevents the brush assembly from disengaging with the handle during normal use of the paint brush. FIG. 3 depicts tile selected embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It will be understood that embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, and arc not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled halves of the handle 100 having an integrated reservoir 110 with the brush bristle assembly removed from the handle in accordance with the embodiment of the invention. The integrated reservoir helps reduce paint from dripping onto the handle during normal painting. The side walls of the reservoir are rigid and formed as part of the handle.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the handle highlighting the hook curve of the handle in accordance with the embodiment of the invention. When held in the most common hand position when painting, the hook curve of the handle 101 wraps around the knuckle of the thumb 310 and to the side of the forefinger knuckle 320 resting within the muscle 330 at the crotch of the hand. The handle does not rest under the forefinger knuckle 320 and therefore helps reduce stress to the muscle 330 at the crotch of the hand between the thumb and forefinger.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the handle, from the brush end, highlighting the fingers of the user hand gripping the handle during a common painting procedure.

The fingers, when gripping an object, form an arc across the finger tips. The elliptical form of the paint brush with reservoir handle 100 provides a radius surface 160 to accommodate the natural arc formed by the finger tips when gripping an object.

FIG. 7 illustrates a brush head, adapted to be removably mountable to a brush handle of the type previously discussed herein. The brush head illustrated by FIG. 7 is generally designated by reference numeral 200, and includes outwardly extending bristles 202 and an opened cup 204 for retaining the bristles therein. The outer opened annular cup 206 is generally concentric with the opened cup 204, and defines an annular channel or reservoir 208 therebetween. The opened cup 204 is defined by a first inner forwardly extending sidewall, the opened cup 206 is defined by a second forwardly extending sidewall, and the inner and outer sidewalls 204 and 206, respectively, are preferably integrally joined together to form the base of the brush head. The annular reservoir or channel 208 is defined between the inner and outer sidewalls. Mounting means 210 extends from the bottom of the brush head 200 for removably mounting the brush head to a handle. Preferably, the mounting means is integrally formed with the brush head.

In the embodiments of the invention illustrated by FIGS. 1-6, the reservoir for receiving material dripping from the brush head is defined in the handle. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIG. 7, the reservoir for receiving material dripping from the bristles 202 is defined in the head itself. 

1. A paint brush handle comprising a forwardly extending elliptical head and a rearwardly extending shank, said head being wider than said shank in cross section, said head merging with said shank along an arcuate transition zone, said head defining at least one indentation therein for receiving at least one finger of a user when said handle is grasped by the hand of a user, the forward end of said head defining a first recessed portion for receiving a brush therein.
 2. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle is formed from two symmetrical half sections, and means for removably joining said two symmetrical half sections into an assembled configuration.
 3. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said forward end of said head defines a second recessed portion, said second recessed portion providing a peripheral reservoir surrounding said brush when said handle is in said assembled configuration and said brush is received in said first recessed portion of said head.
 4. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said peripheral reservoir is bounded by an outer sidewall extending from the forward end of said head when said handle is in said assembled configuration.
 5. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 4, wherein said outer sidewall is integrally formed with said head.
 6. A paint brush handle comprising a forward head and a rear shank, said handle formed from two symmetrical half sections, and means for removably joining together said two symmetrical half sections into an assembled configuration; said head defining a first recessed portion at the forward end thereof when said handle is in said assembled configuration, said first recessed portion adapted to removably receive a brush therein; said head defining a second recessed portion of the forward end thereof, said second recessed portion defining a peripheral reservoir around said first recessed portion when said handle is in said assembled configuration.
 7. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first recessed portion in said head is defined by an inner sidewall when said handle is in said assembled configuration.
 8. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 7, wherein said second recessed portion in said head is defined between said inner sidewall and an outer sidewall extending from the forward end of said head when said handle is in said assembled configuration.
 9. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 8, wherein said inner and said outer sidewalls are integrally formed with said head.
 10. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 6, wherein said forward end of said head is elliptical in shape when said handle is in said assembled configuration, said head merging with said shank along an arcuate transition zone.
 11. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 10, wherein said head is wider than said shank in cross section when said handle is in said assembled configuration.
 12. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 11, wherein said head defines at least one indentation therein for receiving at least one finger of a user when said handle is in said assembled configuration and is grasped in the hand of said user.
 13. A paint brush adapted to be removably received within a paint brush handle, said paint brush defining a base, said base including means for retaining bristles therein, said base defining a recessed portion surrounding said means for retaining said bristles, said recessed portion defining a peripheral reservoir around said bristles for receiving paint dripping from said bristles.
 14. The brush as claimed in claim 13, wherein said reservoir is generally elliptical in configuration.
 15. The brush as claimed in claim 13, wherein said means for retaining said bristles in said base comprises a first sidewall surrounding said bristles.
 16. The brush as claimed in claim 15, further including a second sidewall extending around said first sidewall, said reservoir being defined between said first and said second sidewalls.
 17. The brush as claimed in claim 16, wherein said first sidewall is integrally formed with said base.
 18. The brush as claimed in claim 17, wherein said second sidewall is integrally formed with said base.
 19. The brush as claimed in claim 18, wherein said first sidewall is formed from an opened cup configuration defined in said base.
 20. The brush as claimed in claim 19, wherein said second sidewall is formed from an opened cup configuration defined in said base. 